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Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide

This guide was created as an overview of the Linux Operating System, geared toward new users as an exploration tour and getting started guide, with exercises at the end of each chapter.
For more advanced trainees it can be a desktop reference, and a collection of the base knowledge needed to proceed with system and network administration. This book contains many real life examples derived from the author's experience as a Linux system and network administrator, trainer and consultant. They hope these examples will help you to get a better understanding of the Linux system and that you feel encouraged to try out things on your own.

Caixa Mágica 18 is a long-term support release which guarantees that it will receive security updates for the period of five years. Four different editions - GNOME, KDE, LXDE and "servidor" - are available. The major software packages included in this release are GNOME 3.4.1, KDE 4.8.2, LibreOffice 3.5.2, Linux kernel 3.2, as well as a new Portuguese citizen card software program. Additionally, the project now offers a new web-based utility for one-click installation of software applications.

I tested Caixa Mágica in the 32-bit version with KDE. It starts like Ubuntu: the boot screen requires a key press for a menu, where you can check the disk and select a language (F2) and keyboard (F3). Ubuntu’s video identification bug has been removed. The installer is the usual Ubiquity, with support for encrypting /home.

This KDE needs plenty of memory, but it’s not slow like some others. There’s a good supply of software installed, including LibreOffice, Firefox, Kmail, Kopete, Skype, Gimp, Amarok, Dragon, Gnome-mplayer, Wine, and lots of games, together with the media codes and flash plug-in. There were a few warnings when running programs from the CLI, but nothing critical. Gnome-mplayer wouldn’t actually play anything, but Dragon performed perfectly. KDE provides the service management and other tools that Ubuntu lacks. Unusually for these days, dial-up internet is supported. Software Centre is provided, but it’s not very good at searching, so it’s advisable to install Synaptic. Although Ubuntu-based, Caixa Mágica has its own repositories.

If you speak Portuguese, Caixa Mágica is excellent. Even if you don’t, it’s still probably the best Ubuntu derivative for KDE users, with none of the problems I found in the KDE version of Mint.